This morning we celebrated new books for younger readers aged 8 to 16 with Elaina Ryan from Childrens Books Ireland, and a gathering of young people from all over the country. They gave us their reviews on books we asked them to read.
An Áit a nEitlíonn na Madaí Crainn by Aileen Crossley
Molaí is a young girl who is feeling upset; in the opening pages of this beautiful picturebook, she walks away from her phone and out into nature. The book as an object is stunning – the illustrations have been created by hand at Black Church Print Studio in Dublin through lithograph printing in five colours. The language is playful – inspired by Manchán Magan and Steve Doogan's book, Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and other Irish Words for Nature, it plays on the literal meanings of animal names in the Irish language and depicts the characters as such. Squirrels are tree dogs, stoats are little ladies and dolphins are sea pigs. As the artist describes it, 'a love letter from Mother Nature to an anxious child’. (Age 5+)
Beastie Bros: the Cabbage Juice Crime by David O’Connell
Dash the firefly and his adoptive brother, Dribble the snail, are on a mission to solve a mystery: who stole Dribble’s brand new invention, the cabbage-juice creating machine known as Roboslug? Join our minibeast heroes on their first adventure as they foil a master criminal plot involving a crystal worm, ancient custard and some dastardly dung beetles! There’s lots to see on every page with black and white illustrations throughout, and plenty of new words to make kids laugh – like bumguffery (something so silly and ridiculous that it almost has a smell) and snozdigging (nose picking). The book even includes some bug facts and instructions on how to make your own snail slime. (Age 5–7, 8–10)
Neon and the Goonicorns by Sibéal Pounder and illustrated by Sarah Warburton (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)
The unicorn land of the UNIverse is not a place that humans often get to visit, but Neon found her way in through a magic portal and also discovered that she was part unicorn. However, these are not your usual unicorns. Although the goonicorns of the title resemble traditional unicorns, they are certainly sillier. Created from magic goo, they are usually fairly placid pets, but there is something strange happening with them that could spell trouble for the UNIverse unless Neon can put it right. A chaotic mixture equal parts sparkle and slime, with the land of the UNIverse, Pounder has once again created a world of magic and mayhem. The illustrations brilliantly capture the wildness of the world, rising to the challenge of the most outlandish of creatures and places. Together, Pounder and Warburton have created a concoction sure to enchant young readers. (Age 8–10)
Wanda Broom by Ciara Geraghty and illustrated by Fay Austin (Eriu)
Wanda Broom has moved to a new town and is starting a new school. What seems straightforward is an impossible task when you are the daughter of a witch, and your mother does not behave like a witch should. Will Wanda manage to keep her biggest secret hidden, or will her family soon be packing their bags again? A light-hearted story that bounces the reader between two threads: mother–daughter relationships and new friendships. A delightful, easy-to-read story that weaves and connects the narrative and images throughout its pages. This is a great introduction to the Broom family and more adventures to come. (Age 8–10)
What Came First? By Kit Frost and illustrated by Aaron Cushley (Red Shed)
Interactive history is the order of the day in this lively account of what happened and when. Taking the question posed by the title as its starting point, What Came First? invites readers to guess the order in which events fall on the history timeline. Facts, figures, topics and timelines are rendered in stunning illustrations that blend classic colour schemes with a wealth of interesting characters. Inductive in approach and informative in content, this book will help readers understand how time passes and the wonders of history. (Non-fiction, Age 8–10, 10–12)
Arabella Pepper: The Wild Detective by E.R. Murray and illustrated by Monika Pollak
Arabella, accompanied by her pet crow, Blue, is a successful nature detective. Feeling unhappy following her family’s move to Grey Town, Arabella finds a mission when she notices that there are lots of missing pet posters in the town. There is a second mystery to solve, then, along with how to make her family happy once again, and Arabella is the perfect person to solve both. The book is beautifully illustrated in grey tone images, reflecting the backdrop the setting for the narrative, this is a promising story with a likeable heroine. (Age 10–12)
Drive to Victory: Incredible True Stories from the Fastest Sport in the World by Karun Chandhok and illustrated by Max Rambaldi (Wren & Rook)
One of only two Indiandrivers to ever drive in Formula One, Karun Chandhok’s experience and expertise shines through in this book as he weaves the story of the past and present of Formula One – from Senna and Prost to Hamilton and Verstappen. Packed full of fun facts about Formula One as well as some epic tales surrounding the historic battles of the sport, this is an informative and colourful quick history of the words fastest sport. The excellent illustrations from Rambaldi enhance the overall storytelling from making tracks, to developing cars and the evolution of the sport into the world-wide powerhouse that it is today. (Non-fiction, 10–12, 12–14)
After by Pádraig Kenny (Walker Books)
This gripping and exciting book examines the aftermath of an apocalyptic event involving artificial intelligence and humans, in which the world as we know it has ended with not many survivors left. Jen and Father are wandering along a path hoping to find a better place, hunting for food and avoiding gangs of scavengers. From its gripping first line, to the final thrilling climax, this book will open young readers’ minds to some big philosophical questions about what it means to be human, whether machines can learn to have feelings and how we treat those who are different to us. Who are the real monsters here, machines or humans? (Age 10–12, 12–14)
Féile: A Twin Power Adventure by Emma Larkin (The O’Brien Press)
Gaelic football stars and twins Aoife and Aidan Power are back for another sporting adventure. In this latest instalment, the stakes have been raised as the twins’ respective teams have the chance to represent their clubs on the national stage and put their skills to the test against what Ireland – and even New York – has to offer at the Féile competition for the best of the best. Throw in a family mystery and you have the recipe for an exciting read for young sports lovers. (Age 10–12, 12–14)
The Doomsday Club by Kevin Moran (The O’Brien Press)
Beginning in an ancient primary-school building, but featuring characters who are bang up-to-date, this zingy novel borrows from Irish mythology while exploring themes of friendship, bullying, bravery and growing up. Jack, Conan, Yash and Jerry, are classmates who wouldn’t exactly call themselves friends, but find themselves banded together once they witness a shape-shifting elk/bear/raven emerge from a portal right outside their school yard during one rainy-day detention. Adventure, fantasy and humour mix together playfully in this novel, as do colloquial and inventive use of the English and Irish languages, while landmarks of Dublin city play a prominent part. (Age 10–12, 12–14)
The Deadsoul Project: The Night House Files by Dan Smith and illustrated by Luke Brookes (Barrington Stoke)
When their stepfather, reportedly killed in Belfast, appears alive in their flat in Alpine Heights, this incident triggers a series of strange incidents for thirteen-year-old Kyle and his younger sister, Lauren. Tension builds slowly as the protagonists try to figure out what is happening, going from a sense of unease to full monster-movie terror! Unfolding across three different timelines, cliffhanger chapter endings make this a real page-turner, and the climactic scene is filled with enough action and jump scares for any horror fan. An accessible read from Barrington Stoke, The Deadsoul Project is a thrilling read that pits kids against alien bodysnatchers with a satisfying conclusion. (Age 10–12, 12–14)
Tom Crean Irish Antarctic Hero by Michael Smith, illustrated by David Butler, lettering by Louise McSharry (The O’Brien Press)
The story of Tom Crean is extraordinary; Crean’s heroic exploits in the vastness of Antarctica are in sharp contrast to his persona, the unassuming humble Kerry man who faced every challenge. Companion of the ill-fated Captain Scott and stalwart crew member to Ernest Shackleton on the Endurance, Crean demonstrated often super-human strength against the constant risks traveling in the frozen wastes. This lavish graphic novel cleverly draws on original images from the various Antarctic exhibitions. The fast-paced narrative tells concisely Tom Crean’s progress through life, from farmer’s son in rural Kerry, to his exploits on the high seas and the furthest corners of the Earth, to his career in the Royal Navy. A wonderful book. (Non-fiction, Age 10–12, 12–14)
The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter (Scholastic)
Making decisions always ties Fred up in knots. His parents controlling every aspect of his life hasn’t helped, so when it comes to choosing which secondary school to attend, you can imagine the stress it causes. A choose-your-own-adventure story, his book takes reader engagement to a new level as readers must decide the direction Fred and the story will take. As we join Fred on his journey, we learn that the choices we make do have consequences, but they’re just part of life and not something to cause distress. (Age 10–12, 12–14)
The Brightest Star by Meg Grehan (Little Island Books)
Stevie’s back! Fans of The Deepest Breath will delight in an all-new verse novel as a slightly older Stevie and her friends Chloe and Andrew get ready to start secondary school. While there are plenty of opportunities for Stevie and Chloe to explore their identities, Andrew starts to withdraw from their friend group, and Stevie and Chloe have to figure out how to help him find his way back to them. Gorgeous, lyrical, warm and comforting, this novel gently explores the anxieties and excitement that can come with starting secondary school. (Age 12–14)
Stealing Happy by Brian Conaghan (Bloomsbury YA)
Thirteen-year-old Sonny has a lot to deal with: his dad is suffering from long Covid and he hates having to see his mum struggle to pay the bills. On top of this, having Tourette’s syndrome brings its own challenges, as Sonny is constantly fighting the intrusive voices in his head. When he discovers his mum is in debt to a loan shark, Sonny’s fragile world seems to be on the brink of collapse. But Sonny is resourceful: he’s smart and brave enough to come up with an audacious plan to pay off the debt with Lennon’s own ill-gotten gains. Gritty, warm and ultimately hopeful, Stealing Happy is Brian Conaghan at his excellent best. (Age 12–14, 15+)
Heartstopper 2 by Alice Oseman and translated by Eoin McEvoy (Futa Fata)
Leanann Heartstopper 2 ar aghaidh le scéal Nick agus Charlie, lánúin sa mheánscoil agus grúpa cairde aiteacha acu. Is ris lúcháireach é an scéal croíúil seo faoi ghrá, cairdeas agus eispéaras an aosa óig LADTA ar shaol na ndéagóirí agus ar an gcéad chaidrimh. Is comhartha dóchais é Heartstopper 2 do dhéagóirí aiteacha. Taispeánann an scéal dúinn nach bhfuil duine ar bith ar domhain a mhothaíonn ina aonar i ndáiríre ina aonar ar chor ar bith, agus go bhfuil pobal grámhar agus lách ann dóibh i gcónaí. (Aois 12–14, 15+)
Skipshock by Caroline O’Donoghue (Walker Books)
When Margo and Moon’s worlds collide (literally) time becomes a commodity they are quickly running out of. Putting a new spin on the phrase ‘a race against time,’ Skipshock is like no other book. Layered, inventive and expansive, what appears to be a complicated sci-fantasy across various worlds, time zones and dimensions will effortlessly envelope readers imaginations and swallow them whole. A stunning read. (15+)